Range top structure



NOV. 7, 1944. ALTHQFF 2,361,916

RANGE TOP STRUCTURE I Filed July 23, 1941 fiwmzzzzz -This invention relates to a heater Patented Nov. 7, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RANGE TOP STRUCTURE mam-A. Althoff, Chicago, 111. Application July 23, 1941, Serial No. 403,672

or cooking range and more particularly to a top for the same.

Heretofore it has been the practice, in constructing a range or heater, to unite the sides by a top which has enameled portions and which supports on its inner side cooking or other plates. The top is an expensive part of the range.

Further, in structures heretofore employed, the cooking top has been so closely placed above the heating chamber that the heat is transmitted directly to the enameled portion, increasing the strain upon the enamel.

An object of the present invention is to provide a structure in which an inner top is employed for the purpose of uniting the sides and completing a sturdy frame structure. An outer top is then employed which carries the enamel, the outer top being spaced from the inner top so that an air space extends between the two over substantial areas. A further object is to provide an outer top which may be removed readily and replaced without causing a disassembly of the main range frame. Other specific objects and advantages will appear as the specification proceeds.

The invention is illustrated in a preferred embodiment, by the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. l is a perspective view of a top structure embodying my invention; Fig. 2, a perspective view of the outer top removed from the heater or range; and Fig. 3, a perspective view of the inner top. 1

In the illustration given, A indicates a range or heater, B an inner top, and C an outer top.

The rangeor heater A may be of any suitable construction. Since this structure is old, no detailed description is believed necessary. The top B is secured to the range or heater parts in the usual manner, bolts being extended through the openings I so that a rigid and sturdy assembly is produced. The top B is provided at the front with laterally extending ears I I and at the rear with a divided flange I2, the divided flange being adapted to receive a bolt as will be later described. The front of the top B is provided with an integral forwardly extending lug 13 having a bolt opening or divided flange I4.

It will be understood that the inner top B may be formed of cast iron'or any other suitable metal, no finish being required. V

The outer top C may also be formed of cast iron or other metal adapted to receive a finished surface. In the illustration given, the top is .provided with an enameled outer surface. The rear structure tending spacer lugs I1.

5 Claims. (01. 126-,211)

portion of the top C is provided with an opening I5 adapted to receive-the flue collar I6 of the inner top B. Any suitable means for spacing the top C above top B may be employed so long as the main surfaces thereof are separated by an air space. In the illustration given, the top B is provided on its underside with downwardly ex- The spacer lugs are located in the front partof the top C and also at the rear of top C below the connecting rear flange l8 (not shown). At the front, the spacer lugs I'l rest upon the two ears II and at the rear the spacer lugs rest directly upon the upwardly extending marginal flange IQ of the inner top B.

In assembly, the top 3 is formed with the range structure producing a permanent unit,

' bolts or screws being extended through the various openings to secure the frame to the top B. The range structure is now practically completed. The top 0 is secured in position merely by placing the same upon the inner top B. A screw is extended from the underside through the opening I4 and thence to the tapped opening 20 at the forward end of the top C.

At the rear, a bolt' is extended through opening 22 and secured between the divided flange I2 of top B.

The top B is provided with lateral flanges 23 about a central opening and adapted to receive the cooking plate 24, as shown in Fig. 1.

With the structure shown, it will be noted that a complete structure, except for an outer top, is made up at the factory. After the structure has been completed, the top C may be placed in position with very slight stress placed thereon. It will be separately enameled and when placed upon the top is spaced therefrom by an air layer. Should the top C be chipped or injured in any way with respect to the enamel coating, a substitute top may be readily secured in position. The dealer by carrying separate tops can readily take care of any injury that occurs during shipment or that may occur during usage.

It will be noted that, whereas in the old structures, the enameled top was relied on as the supporting structure for connecting the frame, sides, etc, all this is now accomplished by an inner concealed top. The outer top is thus free for ready removal. It is not subjected to the direct heat influence to which the inner top is sub- J'ected and it may be readily attached or removed.

While in the foregoing specification, I have set forth certain specific details as illustrative of the invention, it will be understood that those skilled in the art may vary such details without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. In a range structure of the character set forth, a frame structure, an inner top secured to said frame structure, an outer top removably received upon said inner top, and means spacing said inner top from said outer top to provide an insulating air space therebetween.

2. In a range structure of the character set forth, a frame structure, anv inner top secured to said frame structure, an outer enameled top removably carried by said inner top, and means integrally formed with said top structures for spacing said tops and providing an insulating air space therebetween.

3. In a range structure of the character set forth, a frame structure, an inner top secured to said frame structure, said inner top being provided with forwardly and rearwardly extend ing attachment flanges, and laterally extending flanges, and a removable outer top having an enameledsurface and having on its underside downwardly extending lugs engaging said laterally extending flanges of the inner top to space the inner top from said outer top, and attachment means extending through said front and rear flanges of said inner top and engaging said outer top.

4. In a range structure of the character set forth, a frame structure having side and end walls, an inner perimetric top secured to said Walls, and an outer perimetric top having an enamel surface and removably supported on the face and removably supported on the upper surface of the inner top and covering and enclosing the same, and a burner plate carried by said flanges of the inner top and having its outer surface substantially flush with said outer t'op.

LAWRENCE A. ALTHOFF. 

